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New Distant Object Discovered in Kuiper Belt

6/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers at the Institute for Advanced Study have unveiled a remarkable discovery: a distant celestial body named 2017 OF201, possibly a dwarf planet, orbiting the sun more than twice the distance of Pluto. With a diameter of 435 miles, it takes an astonishing 25,000 years to complete its orbit, hinting at a treasure trove of similar objects lurking in the Kuiper Belt.

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Story summary

Astronomers at the Institute for Advanced Study have unveiled a remarkable discovery: a distant celestial body named 2017 OF201, possibly a dwarf planet, orbiting the sun more than twice the distance of Pluto. With a diameter of 435 miles, it takes an astonishing 25,000 years to complete its orbit, hinting at a treasure trove of similar objects lurking in the Kuiper Belt.